Toyota Material Handling dealer Hugg & Hall Equipment Company acquires Southern Material Handling Company
Dealership expands to provide a full line of material handling solutions to Eastern Oklahoma Hugg & Hall Equipment Company, a member of Toyota Material Handling’s dealer network, has formally acquired fellow Toyota dealer, Southern Material Handling Company. Hugg & Hall Equipment Company is an industrial and construction equipment provider in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas. This acquisition will allow Hugg & Hall to expand its Toyota presence to include the entire state of Oklahoma. “We are very excited to add eastern Oklahoma to our Toyota territory,” said Robert Hall, Vice President of Hugg & Hall Equipment Company. “Southern Material Handling has had an excellent reputation for many years. We will continue that passion for an unequaled customer experience. The addition of more products and services will add value to our customers, making them even more competitive in their unique industry.” Hugg & Hall Equipment Company has represented the Toyota brand since 1994, expanding its territory most recently in 2019 to service customers in Louisiana. With their most recent acquisition, Hugg & Hall Equipment will now have a team of over 700 employees and 18 locations across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas. “We wish Hugg & Hall the best of luck with this exciting business venture, and we’re excited to see what they can accomplish,” said Anne Ewing, Toyota Material Handling Director of Dealer Development. “Hugg & Hall has been a proud Toyota dealer for nearly 30 years, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership in the future.”
Port of Long Beach in-person Harbor Commission Meetings to resume
Civic Chambers reopens to the public for the Monday, April 11 meeting The meetings of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners will reopen to the public in person for the first time in over two years beginning with the regular meeting on Monday, April 11, at 1:30 p.m. Regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the Bob Foster Civic Chambers, 411 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, in the Civic Center Plaza. Please note that there is no free parking available. Members of the public and some commissioners may also participate in the meeting and comment via video teleconference. Live and archived meetings can be viewed at polb.com/webcast; detailed instructions on commenting remotely are also on that page. The Civic Chambers were closed to the public following the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 and Harbor Commission meetings have been held remotely since then. Members of the public are urged to check the agenda before each meeting as procedures may change depending on the COVID-19 situation.
Women In Trucking Association names Nicole Glenn as the 2022 Distinguished Woman in Logistics
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT), Truckstop.com and Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) announced today Nicole Glenn, president and CEO, Candor Expedite, as the winner of the eighth annual Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA). Glenn was chosen among four finalists for the award. The other finalists include LeAnne Coulter, vice president, freight management for Penske Logistics; Erin Gattis, chief human resources officer, ArcBest; and Kim Littlejohn, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, USA Truck. The finalists and winner were recognized today during the 2022 TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition. “Nicole is truly a distinguished woman in logistics, and we are proud to recognize her for this honor,” said Ellen Voie, president and CEO, WIT. “She has demonstrated remarkable business growth at the helm of Candor Express and we look forward to her continued success in the coming years.” Glenn founded Candor Expedite in 2017 after more than two decades in the transportation brokerage business, with a vision to build the smartest and most efficient freight business that delivers on its promises. Today, Candor is recognized as a certified women-owned business headquartered in Texas – with offices in Illinois and Kansas. Logistics is in Glenn’s DNA having held several operational positions for a variety of transportation brokerage companies over the years. Through these roles, she learned the nuts and bolts of moving freight along with the biggest challenges both shippers and carriers face each day. “TIA was again impressed with the caliber of candidates for the Distinguished Women in Logistics Award. The four finalists reflect the best attributes of the 3PL professional: competence, pragmatism, and commitment to serving customers in the right way,” said Anne Reinke, president and CEO, TIA. “Nicole Glenn has all of those attributes, plus a history of persevering and succeeding through adversity. We are fortunate to have these women in the logistics profession.” In 2008, Glenn moved to the sales side of the business, working her way up to president of K & L Freight Management, Inc., and in 2016 became head of Cherry Logistics Corporation. After 20+ years of working for others, she wanted to build her own team. With her strong network and excellent industry reputation, it wasn’t long before Candor became one of the top transportation companies in the business – known for its hot shot ground, high touch, time-sensitive shipments and white glove delivery services. Glenn credits her success to an amazing team that consistently provides superior customer service, real-time updates, precision, and open communication. She is a certified member of The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), The Expedite Association of North America, WIT, and TIA. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in management and marketing from Northwood University. “Nicole, LeAnne, Erin and Kim have all taken their respective companies to new heights and each exemplifies excellence in the freight transportation industry,” said Kendra Tucker, CEO, Truckstop.com. “Nicole Glenn not only epitomizes what it means to be a distinguished woman in logistics, but her commitment to better serving customers in the logistics industry is unsurpassed.” Glenn has received numerous accolades including being named one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by WIT, and a 2021 Enterprising Women of the Year Champion, an annual tribute to the world’s top female entrepreneurs. Additionally, she is one of the founders of The Ladies Leadership Coalition (LLC), a new podcast hosted by female business leaders to profile successful businesswomen. Members of the judging panel include Brent Hutto, chief relationship officer, Truckstop.com; Anne Reinke, president and CEO, TIA; Dr. Stephanie S. Ivey, associate dean for research and professor, Herff College of Engineering; and Ellen Voie, president and CEO, WIT.
Ara Eckel named Director of Product Management for Connected Solutions Platform
JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company and a global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, has announced that Ara Eckel has been named director of product management for the company’s connected solutions platform team. In this role, Eckel is tasked with driving the connected channel strategy. Job site connectivity is an important trend in the construction industry today, and JLG’s connected solutions platform team works to develop cutting-edge digital technologies, that when used with JLG® mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, improve the overall value of the company’s products. The team’s product portfolio today includes a number of connected assets, including the JLG Augmented Reality and Mobile Control Apps, which include features like the new Bluetooth® Enabled Analyzer & Analyzer Reader and Advanced Battery Monitoring System, as well as ClearSky® telematics with Access Control functionality, 3-D Interactive Schematics, a BIM library, SkySense electronic detection system and AccessReady Fusion XR™ virtual reality training simulators. “One of the biggest responsibilities JLG has as a leading global equipment manufacturer is to truly understand the needs of users — what they expect from the machine and how they want to interact with the equipment,” says Eckel. “The goal of our team is not only to demonstrate that we can deliver real-world job site value today, but that we also want to grow that value over time through technological advancements that create intuitive, engaging, and interactive connected experiences.” According to Eckel, JLG’s current connected solutions products only scratch the surface of what’s to come. “The sky is the limit for expanding the use of connected technologies. As we work to advance today’s connected job sites and tomorrow’s connected cities, we are focused on the customer. Anything we introduce is intended to make their work easier and their equipment more efficient,” he finishes. Eckel moved into this new role in Fall 2021. Prior to joining JLG, Eckel’s work experience included various sales, marketing, and technical product roles at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, General Motors, Meltwater Group, and Apple Inc. He is a graduate of Ithaca College and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. JLG’s team of product directors includes Eckel, Bob Begley, Daliborka (Dali) Ribeiro, and Nate Hoover. This team’s primary focus is on elevating the company’s product strategy across three pillars: Safety, Productivity and Technology.
Women In Trucking Association announces changes to Board of Directors
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) announces its roster of new officers as well as incoming members of its board of directors. The primary role of this leadership team is to establish the strategic direction for WIT, which is a professional trade association with a mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry. New officers are Rachel Christensen, vice president, J.B. Hunt Transport, as chair; Kelly Rooney, vice president, people solutions, field operations, Waste Management as vice-chair; Jim Taber, national account manager, sales support, Arrow Truck Sales as treasurer; and Lori Taylor, director, carrier administrator, C. H. Robinson as secretary. All officers have served previously on the WIT board of directors. In addition, there are three new members of the board of directors, including: Sarah Smith, senior vice president of human resources for Penske Transportation Solutions, where she leads teams responsible for total rewards, corporate and field human resources, recruiting, diversity and inclusion. Bonnie Voldeng, vice president of FedEx Freight Direct, where she leads strategic short-and long-range objectives involving acceleration to market, scale, development, and growth across the U.S. Karen Schwartz, vice president of B2B marketing for Michelin North America, where she leads a 60-plus person team involved in the truck, construction, infrastructure, agriculture, military, logistics, and mining customer segments and businesses in the U.S. and Canada. Those continuing to serve on the WIT board of directors include Laura Roan Hays, branch manager, Great Dane Trailers (immediate past chair); Marie Druckenmiller, director of TOM operations, Amazon; Debra LaBree, independent owner-operator, Castle Transport (leased to Landstar); Delores Lail, senior vice president of sales east region, Ryder Systems; Ryan McDaniel, vice president, private fleet operations, Walmart; Michele Rodgers, engineering section manager, PACCAR; Kary Schaefer, chief engineer, cab systems and entire vehicle engineering, Daimler Trucks North America; and Jason Williams, president, Expediter Services.
Cognex In-Sight 2800 combines deep learning and traditional vision in an easy-to-use package
Automates error detection in minutes – no programming experience required Cognex Corporation, a provider in industrial machine vision, has released the In-Sight 2800 series vision system. In-Sight 2800 puts the power of a full-featured vision system into an easy-to-use package that gets applications running in minutes. “It has never been easier to apply deep learning to a production line,” said Carl Gerst, Executive Vice President of Products, Platforms, and Solutions. “The In-Sight 2800 system can be trained with just a few images to automate everything from simple pass/fail inspections to advanced classification and sorting – no PC or programming is needed.” In-Sight’s EasyBuilder interface guides users through the application development process step-by-step, making it simple for even new vision users to set up any job. Experienced users will appreciate how In-Sight’s intuitive, point-and-click interface simplifies more complex application development and keeps operations moving fast. The combination of deep learning and traditional vision tools gives users the flexibility to solve a broad range of inspection applications – operators simply select the tool designed to deliver the highest possible accuracy for their task. Tools can be used individually for simple jobs or chained together for more complex logic sequences. The toolset also includes ViDi EL Classify. Using as few as five images, this powerful classifying tool can be trained to identify and sort defects into different categories and correctly identify parts with variation. The ability to classify by multiple features or characteristics allows users to solve more tasks with a single vision solution. The new In-Sight 2800 system also offers a wide variety of accessories and field-changeable components to help users adapt quickly to changes such as new parts, faster line speeds, and higher quality standards.
ARA Certified programs for the equipment rental segment available now
The American Rental Association (ARA) has launched its first ARA Certified programs: ARA Certified – Sales, ARA Certified – Service, and the ARA Certified Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) program. ARA Certified – Sales and ARA Certified – Service are online professional development programs designed to teach your employees fundamental knowledge about the equipment rental industry they will need on the job. The ARA Certified MEWP training program satisfies the new ANSI A92 standards approved in June 2020. “The ARA Certified programs we launched in March are a direct reflection of our association’s strategic initiatives that are focused on safety and preparing the industry for the future,” says Tony Conant, ARA CEO. “These programs establish rental industry standards, professional development, and training that you can’t find anywhere else.” The ARA Certified MEWP Train the Trainer program is a hybrid program. The classroom portion of the training is all online in RentalU (ARA’s learning management system) and then a 4-5 hour live, hands-on training session is conducted by a certified master trainer. Graduates are qualified to train others using the ARA Certified MEWP program. The hands-on training portion is presented by ARA state associations or other local settings for members without an active ARA state chapter. The initial member reaction to the ARA Certified programs is excitement for the long-awaited arrival of professional certifications for equipment rental staff. “For the past three years, I have been pushing for a certification for equipment like the event segment has with ARA’s CERP [Certified Event Rental Professional] program, and it thrills me to know that it is finally happening,” says Beth Hoff Blackmer, president, Aspen Rent-All, Basalt, Colo. “We, as individuals and businesses, are always seeking ways to grow personally and professionally. The ARA Certified programs will be a fantastic offering for owners to offer to their staff. It also promotes rental as a safe industry, which is critical in the construction field. I look forward to becoming certified and urge all in the industry to join me.” Work on ARA Certified programs for forklift operations and MEWP operator certifications for rental customers is underway and is expected to be released in 2023. You can get started with ARA Certified MEWP Train the Trainer at ARArental.org/MEWP, and with ARA Certified Sales and ARA Certified Service programs at ARArental.org/Certified.
Nucor acquires Steel Racking Manufacturer Elite Storage Solutions
Nucor Corporation has announced that it has acquired steel racking manufacturer Elite Storage Solutions for $75 million. This acquisition expands Nucor’s steel racking capabilities and builds on the company’s acquisition of Hannibal Industries last year. Elite Storage Solutions employs 180 full-time teammates at locations in Monroe, Georgia, and Chandler, Arizona. “We are excited to grow our steel racking capabilities with this acquisition of Elite Storage Solutions. Establishing a manufacturing presence in the southeast complements our existing steel racking business and allows us to serve our racking customers nationwide more efficiently,” said Giff Daughtridge, President of Sheet and Tubular Products. “Elite was founded and operated by the South family since the early 1980s and in partnership with the Stein family, owners of Triple-S Steel, since 2017. This acquisition provides a growth platform for the Elite team as well as for Nucor.” End-use markets for steel racking, including e-commerce warehouses, data centers, and food and beverage storage, have experienced strong growth that is forecast to continue. The acquisition gives Nucor access to new customers and will provide logistical advantages in serving existing customers. Nucor’s existing steel racking business, Hannibal Industries, has facilities in southern California and Texas.
EnerSys® helps Big-Box Home Improvement retailer boost sustainability
NexSys® PURE Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) batteries are helping the company cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and water consumption EnerSys®, the global provider of stored energy solutions for industrial applications, is helping a big-box home improvement retailer reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and water consumption by switching its lift truck fleet power from flooded lead-acid batteries to NexSys® PURE Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) battery technology. This change-over is part of the retailer’s ambitious climate change goals – including a 40 percent reduction in its scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 2030. Scope 1 emissions come directly from the retailer’s own facilities and vehicles, including its logistics network and Distribution Centers (DCs). Assisting EnerSys® in the facilitation of this switch is Industrial Battery & Charger, Inc. (IBCI), a Charlotte, NC-based battery dealer-distributor helping the retailer outfit its lift trucks with 2,886 NexSys® PURE TPPL batteries. Over their lifetime, those 2,886 NexSys® PURE batteries will help the big-box home improvement retailer keep approximately 6,300 metric tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere – about the equivalent of taking 1,400 cars off the road. The solution can also help the retailer save nearly 2 million gallons of distilled water annually, a volume that would fill 3 Olympic-sized swimming pools. “Meeting ambitious climate change commitments means implementing the technologies that can make it happen,” notes Rodney Broome, IBCI’s Vice President, National Accounts. “Proprietary TPPL technology from EnerSys is helping this retailer reduce energy and water use while cutting operating costs and CO2 emissions at the same time.” Unlike flooded lead-acid batteries, NexSys® PURE batteries never require watering or long equalize charges. In fact, they recharge so efficiently that they can be opportunity-charged during breaks or in-between shifts, eliminating the need to swap batteries in and out of the vehicle. In terms of water savings, each NexSys® PURE battery eliminates the use of 13 gallons of distilled water every week. This eliminates the energy otherwise needed for water distillation and distribution. Even more, savings are realized because each NexSys® PURE battery is 24% more energy efficient per charge than flooded lead-acid batteries. The move to NexSys® PURE batteries is also helping this big-box home improvement retailer cut its capital and operating expenditures across its 15 Regional Distribution Centers (RDCs). Thanks to their opportunity-charging capabilities and high energy throughput, NexSys® PURE batteries are helping the retailer shrink its battery inventory at each RDC from roughly 600 flooded batteries to 300 NexSys® PURE batteries. That inventory reduction will ultimately enable an estimated savings of $2.3 million in battery purchase costs, but the savings in maintenance costs may prove far more substantial. One of the retailer’s RDC reports that eliminating battery watering, washing and changing has saved the facility $435,000 in yearly labor costs. Multiplied by the 15 RDCs, the potential savings is upwards of six million dollars per year. “At EnerSys, we are dedicated to developing motive power solutions that drive sustainable business practices to help build a better future for everyone, everywhere,” said Harold Vanasse, Senior Director of Marketing, Motive Power Global at EnerSys®. “NexSys® PURE batteries are part of our premier, virtually maintenance-free NexSys® battery line and are designed to reach new heights of product affordability, safety, convenience, and performance through the delivery of superior, eco-friendly power.” At the time of this writing, EnerSys® and IBCI have helped this big-box home improvement retailer switch from flooded batteries to TPPL batteries at 11 of its 15 RDCs. Plans are in the works to adopt the TPPL technology at nine additional coastal holding facilities now under construction. Eventually, the company hopes to use NexSys® PURE batteries to power lift trucks in all its retail locations.
KION North America expands territory with dealer partner Material Handling Inc.
KION North America has appointed Material Handling, Inc. with additional territory in portions of Alabama. Material Handling, Inc. currently serves areas throughout Georgia and Tennessee and is authorized to sell KION North America’s portfolio of Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands. “We are very excited about this expansion and are proud to partner with a strong material handling solutions provider as Material Handling, Inc,” said Director of Distribution Management Rick Schiel. “This organization takes pride in offering its customers the very best equipment and solutions customized to meet the needs of each operation. Their strong commitment to excellence makes KION North America proud to partner with Material Handling Inc. while promoting the trusted Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands.” Material Handling Inc. is family-owned and operated and has served the material handling industry for over 30 years by offering forklift solutions, including warehouse products and repair and maintenance services. Guided by its core values and principles known as “The MHI Way,” Material Handling Inc. has strategically cultivated a culture centered around putting its customers first. This solid foundation has made Material Handling, Inc. a trusted provider of forklift trucks, parts, and services throughout Georgia, Tennessee, and now Alabama. “We are proud to partner with Linde Material Handling to provide world-class products and solutions to the robust and growing Alabama market,” said Material Handling Inc. (MHI) President Mike Sain. “MHI utilizes the full range of Linde Material Handling products to provide the right solution for each customer’s unique needs.”
NEW Portable Power System with Advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
Say “so long” to extension cords Newcastle Systems, a provider of mobile-powered carts designed to make warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and retail floors more efficient, now welcomes the PP2.0-LI as part of the Newcastle PowerPack Ultra Series. This newest compact system offers safe lithium iron phosphate battery technology that provides seamless AC power for 6-8 hours at a time. It’s ideal for powering a laptop or small thermal printer for light computing/label printing applications. Once the battery charge has depleted, simply plug it into an outlet to be fully recharged in about 5 hours. At 17 lbs., the lightweight power system can be mounted on any rugged, non-powered industrial cart or the Newcastle LT Series Industrial Laptop Cart. By adding mobile power to your cart, workers can roll directly to the point of work and slash the time they waste walking to static printers, computers, and more. Productivity increases as workers typically gain an additional 5-10 hours each week that can be applied to other essential tasks. Proven applications include inbound/outbound labeling at the pallet, inventory control, cycle counting, and more. With an 8–10-year battery life (or over 3,000 cycles), the PP 2.0-LI offers an affordable and convenient alternative to costly cable drops or dangerous extension cords in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Adding this battery system to a mobile cart, or upgrading an old SLA battery system, will give businesses even more options to increase worker productivity when the labor pool is exceptionally tight. The PP2.0-LI comes standard with integrated power outlets, a USB port, visual & audible low voltage alert, easy-grip side handles, and an integrated cord reel holder. It also comes with blue tooth enabled for real-time stats via its own app. Data includes charge level, cycle life, and more. Available for both Android and Apple devices.
Toyota Material Handling adds to electric Walkie Pallet Jack lineup
Toyota Material Handling (TMH) has launched two AC-powered walkie pallet jacks under the brand Tora-Max – including an all-new Compact Electric Walkie Pallet Jack. These new models add to Toyota’s industry-leading lineup of electric products and are an ideal solution for customers in the warehousing, manufacturing, beverage, retail, and distribution industries. Both models are available for order online at MyToyotaStore.com and at TMH dealers across North America. “These new ergonomic walkies are perfect for customers who need a fast, turnkey solution for their material handling needs,” said TMH Product Planning Manager Jena-Christine Lawrence. “This product launch is the latest example of Toyota’s mission to provide versatile and valuable solutions for any type of customer.” The Compact Tora-Max Walkie Pallet Jack delivers optimal maneuverability and exceptional power with a capacity of up to 3,300 pounds. The compact design allows for effortless navigation when working in trailers and tight spaces, and comes equipped with an exchangeable lithium-ion battery that allows for fast charging and quick, easy battery replacement. The Compact model also features a multifunction control handle with ergonomic hand grips, fingertip controls of all functions, and an LCD display that shows battery usage and important truck information such as fault codes and working hours. “The vertical driving position allows operators to maneuver in confined areas without fully extending the control handle,” Lawrence said. “The control handle was designed for comfort and intuitive use so operators can quickly learn to use the equipment.” The full-size Tora-Max Walkie Pallet Jack is built to carry up to 4,000 pounds, and its high ground clearance permits easy operation over transitions and uneven surfaces. This model comes equipped with an AC drive motor and a sealed, maintenance-free lead-acid battery with a built-in charger to maximize uptime. Both models offer useful features such as an electric lift and lower, a turtle mode button to slow the maximum operating speed for enhanced handling control, and an optional high-load backrest.
ASSP recruiting safety instructors for three events
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is seeking a diverse group of occupational safety and health professionals to join its team of instructors now being formed for three education events. The world’s oldest professional safety organization is a longtime industry leader in providing continuing education for workplace safety and health professionals around the world. ASSP’s call for instructors covers courses to be delivered at SafetyFOCUS Fall on Oct. 24-28; SafetyFOCUS Winter on Feb. 13-24; and pre/post courses at Safety 2023 next June. “It’s a terrific opportunity for safety and health experts to make a difference by contributing to the continuing education of their colleagues, advancing the industry, and ultimately protecting workers everywhere,” said ASSP President Brad Giles, P.E., CSP, STS, FASSP, GIOSH. “It’s truly a rewarding experience.” Courses range from half-days to three days and focus on business and leadership skills, fall protection, risk assessment and management, safety management systems, and worker well-being. Prospective instructors must identify emerging issues, develop strategies for overcoming challenges, and aim to expand attendee knowledge and professional skills. A panel of ASSP members will anonymously evaluate all instructor proposals against the following criteria: The degree to which the proposed course meets ASSP’s program objectives. Instructor’s presentation skills and teaching experience. Interest and need for the topic within the safety and health profession. Interested instructors should submit a separate application for each course, with a maximum of four per instructor. Please direct questions to ASSP’s professional development staff at [email protected]. Course proposals for all three events must be submitted online by May 6. ASSP will notify successful applicants by email in early June.
TVH opens new Belgium headquarters dubbed “The Hub”
TVH has officially opened its new main office in Waregem, Belgium. Dubbed ‘The Hub’, the new facility was opened by CEO Dominiek Valcke in the presence of 200 guests. “With this state-of-the-art office building, we can now employ even more people and easily introduce visitors to our services,” Valcke said. Work on the site began in April 2019, and the new 13 000 sqm building is “a sleek, bright and contemporary solution to the impending lack of space that TVH was experiencing because of its rapid growth”, according to the company. Great attention was paid to comfort, ergonomics, and efficiency. Numerous CO2 sensors, temperature sensors, and controls ensure a pleasant indoor climate, and the many sound-absorbing materials also contribute to comfort. “The growth that TVH has experienced in recent years entailed a strong increase in the number of employees,” says Valcke. “We didn’t just create more office space with The Hub. We can now also support our employees better with extra meeting rooms, an auditorium, a new company restaurant, a showroom, and an extensive meeting center. “This additional space is certainly not an unnecessary luxury, since we are looking for more than 250 new colleagues to strengthen TVH, in Waregem alone,” Valcke adds. TVH is especially proud of its new “Experience Center”. “This unique 1,500 sqm visitor center primarily serves as a location to familiarise local and international visitors, such as customers, suppliers, associations, schools, and applicants, with the offer, services, atmosphere, and working method of TVH,” says the facility manager Luc Rasschaert. “And thanks to its interactive nature, TVH Experience Center is much more than just a showroom. Visitors can play games and test their driving skills with a virtual lift truck in a warehouse, for example.”
U.S. Rail Traffic for March and the week ending April 2, 2022
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 2, 2022, as well as volumes for March 2022. U.S. railroads originated 1,169,546 carloads in March 2022, up 1.2 percent, or 13,456 carloads, from March 2021. U.S. railroads also originated 1,338,138 containers and trailers in March 2022, down 6.4 percent, or 92,170 units, from the same month last year. Combined U.S. carload and intermodal originations in March 2022 were 2,507,684, down 3 percent, or 78,714 carloads and intermodal units from March 2021. In March 2022, nine of the 20 carload commodity categories tracked by the AAR each month saw carload gains compared with March 2021. These included: chemicals, up 18,291 carloads or 11.7 percent; coal, up 16,637 carloads or 5.4 percent; and crushed stone, sand & gravel, up 7,974 carloads or 8.5 percent. Commodities that saw declines in March 2022 from March 2021 included: grain, down 13,839 carloads or 10.8 percent; petroleum & petroleum products, down 9,033 carloads or 16.5 percent; and all other carloads, down 4,459 carloads or 14.6 percent. “March was another mixed month for U.S. rail volumes,” said AAR Senior Vice President John T. Gray. “It was the best month ever for carloads of chemicals while carloads of crushed stone and sand, food products, lumber, and motor vehicles were higher than they’ve been in months. On the other hand, carloads of grain, petroleum products, and paper products, among others, were down in March. These conflicting trends reflect an economy with a good deal of directional uncertainty; uncertainty that needs resolution before its full potential can be realized.” Excluding coal, carloads were down 3,181 carloads, or 0.4 percent, in March 2022 from March 2021. Excluding coal and grain, carloads were up 10,658 carloads, or 1.5 percent. Total U.S. carload traffic for the first three months of 2022 was 2,987,140 carloads, up 2.6 percent, or 76,120 carloads, from the same period last year; and 3,369,898 intermodal units, down 6.9 percent, or 249,672 containers and trailers, from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 13 weeks of 2022 was 6,357,038 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 2.7 percent compared to last year. Week Ending April 2, 2022 Total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 502,194 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.7 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending April 2 were 231,963 carloads, up 0.6 percent compared with the same week in 2021, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 270,231 containers and trailers, down 5.4 percent compared to 2021. Six of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2021. They included coal, up 4,155 carloads, to 63,932; chemicals, up 2,204 carloads, to 35,109; and farm products excl. grain, and food, up 1,889 carloads, to 17,347. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2021 included grain, down 3,528 carloads, to 22,166; metallic ores and metals, down 1,989 carloads, to 21,082; and miscellaneous carloads, down 1,916 carloads, to 8,127. North American rail volume for the week ending April 2, 2022, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 333,927 carloads, up 2.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 359,728 intermodal units, down 3.5 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 693,655 carloads and intermodal units, down 0.5 percent. North American rail volume for the first 13 weeks of 2022 was 8,626,296 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.7 percent compared with 2021. Canadian railroads reported 80,499 carloads for the week, up 3.4 percent, and 73,035 intermodal units, down 1.7 percent compared with the same week in 2021. For the first 13 weeks of 2022, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 1,782,022 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 9.4 percent. Mexican railroads reported 21,465 carloads for the week, up 32 percent compared with the same week last year, and 16,462 intermodal units, up 28.6 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 13 weeks of 2022 was 487,236 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 5.4 percent from the same point last year. To view the weekly U.S. Rail Traffic charts, click here.
MHI roars back with record MODEX 2022
The manufacturing and supply chain community came together last month for a return to in-person trade shows with a record-setting MODEX event, according to show producer MHI. Over 37,047 visitors connected with over 857 exhibitors across 405,000 square feet of exhibit space at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. This was the largest MODEX event to date for MHI, with 20% more visitors than the last pre-pandemic show – MODEX 2018. Additionally, the direct economic impact of this event to the Atlanta area is estimated to be $45 million. The next MHI trade show will be PROMAT 2023 in Chicago, IL on March 20-23, 2023.
EP 269: Jeff Lem and the students
On this episode, I put on my other hat which is Professor Lawton, and was joined by previous guest Jeff Lem. Being at MODEX 2022, I could not teach my class in person so we did it virtually and I had a guest speaker come on. That guest speaker was the president of Portable Intelligence and author, Jeff Lem. Key Takeaways Jeff highlights the amount of technology we are seeing coming into the warehousing space which was even more evident at MODEX 2022. Even with all of the technology, Jeff is sure to mention that you must rely on your data and that the data must be accurate and consistent in order to continue to make smart business decisions. This is very much a topic that I have discussed with my students as we have covered the importance of accurate data within the supply chain. He also highlights the growth of business intelligence and how it is being grown utilizing AI. This was very interesting as my students are very interested to hear about how AI is growing and being utilized in the supply chain. The biggest growth point for AI in the supply chain according to Jeff is the predictive analytics side. This is allowing operations to understand what is going to happen and how to plan for it in their operation. Additionally, emphasizes that having solid data for AI to work properly is a key to implementing it. One of the other things that Jeff highlights is how the pandemic has caused companies to rethink how they distribute products in their supply chain. He discusses how things have changed for the customer experience and how companies have adopted different ways to allow for contact-less experiences. Through this companies have been able to start not only distributing and fulfilling orders from warehouses but also through their stores. This expands the available inventory and allows it to get to customers with more efficiency. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 269: Jeff Lem and the Students
KEEN Utility Roswell work boot features versatility
The Roswell is a first-of-its-kind for KEEN Utility — a work boot with versatility that makes it a standout for warm conditions. With a fold-down collar and breathable canvas upper, the Roswell enables a seamless transition from the job site to off-the-clock wearability. Additional comfort is provided by a KEEN.ReGen midsole that returns 50% more energy than standard EVA foam and asymmetrical carbon fiber toes that are 15% lighter than steel, while offering an unobtrusive fit. In addition to its functional good looks, this medium-duty work boot does not sacrifice when it comes to safety features required for the job. The oil and slip-resistant, non-marking, multidirectional lugged rubber outsole maximizes surface area and improves traction, while an EH-rated outsole protects the underfoot from live electrical circuits. A true blend of performance, style, and safety, the new Roswell will be available in two colorways.
KION Group withdraws its outlook for the financial year 2022
– Supply bottlenecks and substantially higher procurement costs are putting pressure on the Group’s adjusted EBIT – Given the political and economic uncertainties, it is currently not possible to assess the KION Group’s business performance for the year as a whole. – CEO Smith: “The fundamental drivers of our industry are well intact. We continue our focus on profitable growth and the implementation of our KION 2027 strategy.” In view of the ongoing and substantial uncertainties in the procurement markets, which are being significantly exacerbated by the military conflict in eastern Europe as well as by recent Corona-lockdowns, the Executive Board of the KION GROUP AG decided today, Monday, April 4, 2022, to withdraw the outlook for the fiscal year 2022 published on March 3, 2022, for the KION Group and its operating segments. “Because of the bottlenecks in the procurement markets, which are likely to last much longer than previously anticipated, as well as sharply increasing material and logistics costs and recent Corona-lockdowns which particularly affect the Asian market, the outlook for the fiscal year 2022 is no longer sustainable,” said Rob Smith, CEO of KION GROUP AG. From the current perspective, it is impossible to reliably assess how the military conflict in eastern Europe will unfold or what its economic impact will be. “There are significant uncertainties in evaluating the Group’s business performance for the further course of the fiscal year,” concluded Smith. A new outlook shall be prepared in the course of the year. Based on current information, there are also indications that in contrast to strong levels of order intake and revenue, the Group’s adjusted EBIT in the first quarter of 2022 will be significantly below the prior-year figure of €215 million but within the current capital market expectations. The adjusted EBIT is likely to be on a par with that of the fourth quarter of 2021, mainly due to a lack of parts availability and a sharp rise in material costs. In addition, the KION Group expects non-recurring items in a significant double-digit million euro range in the first quarter of 2022. These non-recurring items relate to possible write-downs of assets used for business conducted with Russia. The free cash flow of the first quarter of 2022 will also be clearly negative compared with the previous year’s figure of €262 million. The financial key performance indicators for the first quarter of 2022 will be published on April 28, 2022. “Our diversified position as a full-service provider in intralogistics, our strong worldwide presence, and our solid financial base have equipped us well to overcome both the pandemic and these new challenges,” said Smith. “The fundamental drivers of our industry are well intact. We continue our focus on profitable growth and the implementation of our KION 2027 strategy.”
H&E opens new branch in El Dorado, AR
Effective April 4, 2022, H&E Equipment Services Inc. (H&E) announces the opening of its new El Dorado rental branch, its second in the state of Arkansas. The branch is located at 4682 Junction City Highway, El Dorado, AR 71730-8751, phone 870-444-8300. The 5,000-square-foot facility sits on 4.5-acres with a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a separate repair shop with six service bays. It is capable of handling a variety of construction and general industrial equipment for customers in southern Arkansas. “H&E has served central Arkansas through its Little Rock branch for many years. Adding this El Dorado location bridges the territory from there to our Shreveport branch and allows us to more effectively serve new and existing customers in the area. With growing commercial and industrial projects in the manufacturing, infrastructure, and health care sectors, we know we will have the fleet to meet the demand for quality equipment for these and many other construction projects,” says Branch Manager Jeremy Smith, who has worked in the rental equipment industry in El Dorado for many years. “H&E has one of the youngest fleets in the industry with the support of a first-class team to back it up.” The El Dorado branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, telescopic forklifts, earthmoving machinery, compaction equipment, generators, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Cushman, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hilti, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Polaris, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, TAG, Taylor, Towmaster Trailers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others. Founded in 1961, H&E Equipment Services is one of the largest equipment rental companies in the nation, providing a higher standard in equipment rentals, sales, parts, and service. Branches are located throughout the Pacific Northwest, West Coast, Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions.